Technology Stations

To be EFFECTIVE, technology centers MUST:

Individual Students/Small groups/Stations - Technology can play a big part in individualized instruction. Not all students must use the same devices or software/apps, nor must they all have the same assignment and expectations.

1. Have a Purpose -

• Pre or post assessments
• Meaningful independent practice with current or past content standards
• Powerful research
• Collaboration and cooperation
• Creative exploration and/or expression
• Sharing/Publishing ideas and products

2. Have been explicitly explained and modeled-

• Students can not work independently if they do not understand procedures or expectations.
• When providing opportunities for independent practice, make SURE that students are comfortable with the content before going to the station to "practice". -There is a potential for students to "practice" incorrect procedures which only reinforces misconceptions.
• Provide scaffolding! Some students will understand your instructions for the station after only one explanation. You may want to provide quick and simple written instructions for those who need additional help.
• Consider having a "class expert" to whom the students can turn for technical help.

3. Be safe -

• If using the internet is a part of the station expectations, then students MUST have been given instruction on Internet Safety.
• They must know what you expect them to do if they inadvertently come across inappropriate material. Have a class policy for this and instruct it well and often.
• Bookmark websites or provide specific sites whenever possible. If students must Google Search, be sure they understand how to do so, including using specific keywords, limiting number or search sites or search pages, and recognizing more reliable sites.

4. Be engaging -

• Technology is often interesting for students! However, be careful not to regularly make assignments that minimize interest. For example, once you get beyond 1st grade, typing spelling words on the computer is no more interesting than writing spelling words!
• When possible, provide students with options or choices for how they complete assignments or present materials.

5. Be rigorous -

• Technology centers can provide opportunities for students to be engaged with content. They can explore, express, and evaluate themselves in creative and powerful ways. Be careful not to minimize this feature as well. *An online word search is just a glorified worksheet.
• When possible, provide tiered activities. Students are not always at the same place in the learning process. Technology centers can be a great way to provide activities that are specific to student needs.
• Challenge all learners! Centers are a great way to encourage high achievers to stretch themselves! *Sometimes, it is as simple as changing the assignment or taking away limitations that makes a center powerful to learners at different levels.

6. Be realistic -

• Time is key. Be sure that assignments given to students can legitimately be done in the time allowed.
• If students are allowed to save incomplete assignments to be finished at a later time, be sure they get the time to do that! *A big complaint students have about station work is that teachers forget to let them finish.
• Make sure students have the knowledge and resources to complete assignments. It is discouraging if websites or software does not have the information or capabilities that students need to complete assignments!
• Be sure the software fits the assignment. Students should not use the most challenging software to complete the simplest tasks.
• Be sure the effort needed matches the rigor of the task.

7. Be productive-

• Whenever possible, students should produce something at the center that represents their learning.
• There should be a class procedure for turning in completed assignments from centers (whether printed or digital).
• There should also be a procedure for "checking off" or logging work that is completed when no product is to be turned in to the teacher. *As the teacher, you should KNOW what your students complete at centers. If there is no accountability, there is a greater likelihood that students will waste time or goof off.

8. Be orderly -

• Chaos is never acceptable at centers.
• Explain and model acceptable behavior.
• Have a behavior plan that is manageable.
• Have alternative assignments that students can complete if they do not follow behavior policies at the computer centers. *If the centers are engaging and interesting to students, having a student complete the alternative assignment should be rare.
• *Don't use "Missing Technology Centers" as a consequence for other classroom misbehavior. You may find that students who are behavior problems in a formal class setting, can be less so at a rigorous technology center.

9. Be celebrated -

• Grades can be given on center work, when appropriate.
• Products should be displayed or published, especially if they show rigor and quality.